A role for the private sector in care for Hereford's aging population

The needs of our aging population are in the news again and likely to be a hot topic as the election draws closer.

Nick Clegg’s recent announcement that the Lib Dem’s would not be able to offer free personal care for the elderly was a blow for all those concerned about the lack of adequate services for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

The move was criticised by organisations such as Age Concern. Andrew Harrop‚ Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said: "There’s no doubt that the looming election will be overshadowed by the urgent need to cut the budget deficit‚ but politicians must not lose sight of the care crisis before us."

There is no doubt that all parties are under pressure to cut public spending and services will need to be cut but there is already a shortage of beds in homes for the rapidly ageing population and elderly care provision needs more investment not less.

When you take these factors into account it is clear that the proposed retirement village at Faraday road in Hereford can play an important role in future care provision.

A new planning application was submitted in November 2009 but the council has yet to formally register it, which needs to happen before it can go forward to committee for determination.

The Faraday Road site (a former Sun Valley site) has been empty for years and the local people are very supportive of the proposed plans.

The developer, Bovale, has carried out extensive community liaison and presented their plans at a resident meeting. Those who attended were very supportive and do want to see homes and facilities built for local people.

It seems to me that with so little money in the public purse it is even more important that the private sector is supported and encouraged when they have the funding and the means to provide these much needed facilities and services.

Please join me in helping the residents of Hereford makes their voice heard. Visit the Friends of Faraday Road page on Facebook or follow us on twitter.com/faradayroad.

Thank you,

Carol

Guest Post: Support for a retirement village in Hereford

Roy Powell of Hereford writes:

I've read with interest the plans to build a retirement village at Faraday Road Hereford.

A previous application in 2007 received widespread public support but was refused by Herefordshire Council.

One of the reasons for refusal was that the site (which has been vacant and an eyesore for 14 years) was reserved for relocation of business as a result of the ESG proposed development.

This was subsequently corrected at a planning enquiry where senior council officers confirmed that the site was *not crucial* to the development of the ESG (Planning Appeal Decision, Page 3, Paragraph 13).

A second reason given for refusal was that the site was designated employment land.

It entirely escapes my understanding why this application was turned down, when an application for a retirement village - if afforded - will create 145 new permanent full time jobs, and this at a time when our City is in desperate need of employment opportunities.

I can only hope that a more sympathetic approach will be in evidence when the current application is considered.

Roy Powell - roypowellemail@googlemail.com

Thanks Roy, I welcome guest posts about the plans to build a retierment village in Faraday Road from other residents of Hereford - Carol  Hanslope - carol.hanslope@googlemail.com